MEL Lecture: Zavala the Yucatecan VP of Texas

The Wednesday lectures at the Merida English Library continue with “Zavala, the Yucatecan VP of Texas.”

Lorenzo de Zavala (1788-1836) was a physician from Yucatan who became a career politician, diplomat and author. He was closely involved in drafting the constitution for the First Federal Republic of Mexico in 1824 after it won independence from Spain. Years later, through a remarkable series of events, he also helped in drafting a constitution for Mexico’s rebellious enemy at the time, the Republic of Texas, to secure independence from Mexico in 1836.

According to Wikipedia, some Mexicans consider Zavala a traitor to his homeland for supporting Texas independence, while Texans consider him a founding father and state hero.

Speaking in the Mérida English Library garden will be Bob Temple, author of the long-running “Surprising History in Yucatán” series published in The Yucatan Times and compiled into a well-received book.

The lecture is free, but donations are appreciated.